On Shakyamuni Day (Saka Dawa Düchen or Vesak) we commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. Ponlop Rinpoche has said Shakyamuni Day is an important holiday for Nalandabodhi members. Rinpoche encourages us to take this day off from work as a religious holiday to focus on practice and the accumulation of merit—positivity and kindness. In that spirit, please observe a vegetarian diet for the day, or longer.
Shakyamuni Day will be a family-friendly holiday this year. Our observance at Nalandabodhi Colorado will stream the adult program from Nalandabodhi Vancouver, which includes special addresses by Nalandabodhi teachers and liturgical practice in English. During this time Eileen Kay, a master of ikebana, will lead a children’s activity downstairs in flower arranging.
Following this, we will all gather upstairs for the ritual of bathing the baby Buddha and conclude the morning with a light lunch provided by the Center.
The remainder of the day will be left to individuals and families to celebrate as they wish.
Date/Time
Date(s) - Sun., May 31, 2026
11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location Nalandabodhi Colorado
